Antwerp program boosts jobs by 5,600 in struggling areas
- The support program has been active since 2016, creating over 5,600 jobs in economically challenged zones.
- It allows companies to lower hiring costs through reduced social contributions and tax breaks for new employees.
- The recent extension of the program is essential for ongoing economic recovery and job creation in Antwerp.
Since 2016, a support program in Antwerp has been instrumental in creating over 5,600 jobs in economically disrupted zones. These areas have faced significant job losses, particularly due to factory closures. The initiative allows companies to reduce hiring costs by lowering social contributions and providing nearly a 5% tax break for each new employee hired. This support lasts for two years, encouraging businesses to expand their workforce and stimulate local economies. Recently, the program was extended to include more areas, increasing the support zone by approximately 20 square kilometers. This extension is crucial for sustaining economic growth, especially after significant job losses, such as the nearly 1,000 jobs lost when Van Hool went bankrupt. Companies in Turnhout are actively seeking to fill 900 job openings, highlighting the ongoing need for workforce development in the region. The program's continuation is seen as vital for helping struggling businesses thrive and for fostering long-term job creation in Antwerp.